Louisiana School Senior Riley Leger won third place for his essay submission for the 2021 Northwestern State University Louisiana High School Essay Contest. Winners will receive a $200 per semester NSU scholarship with a value up to $1,600 for 4 years.

Writing on the 2021 contest theme, “Louisiana Heroes,” entrants were invited to explore the following questions in their essays: “Who is a Louisianan you greatly admire? How has this person’s example benefitted you?” Riley’s essay was titled “Reflections on my Pawpaw, His Life, and Lucius Quintius Cincinnatus.”

Riley has distant childhood memories of his maternal grandfather, a kind and loving Pawpaw. Stories of his life and character were disconnected and crafted an incomplete picture.

“I had for a long time wanted a more complete and human picture of what he was like beyond my own memories, and when I saw the prompt for the Folklife Essay Competition the idea came to me to use the resources available to me to create that picture for myself,” Riley explained. “I talked to my mother, grandmother, granduncles, and used Pawpaw’s military documents to create a story, mostly focusing on his childhood and young adulthood, which I hope shows what kind of world he grew up in and what kind of person he was.”

Riley added some analysis using an old story from history and his own spin on its message for his paper, which he researched and wrote during the summer.

Riley credited his English and foreign language (German) classes at LSMSA toward his increased understanding of the structure and construction of literature and the English language respectively in a way that can’t be matched. His history classes inspired Riley to write this narrative about his Pawpaw’s life to preserve the information and its historical value.

“The atmosphere of LSMSA, the people there and their unmitigated strive to learn and succeed, has inspired me to always try and to push myself as far as I can go,” said Riley. I ended up writing nearly 4200 words in my paper, far longer than anything I had written before, and it would have been easy to give up halfway through or not even get started in the first place, and I think the people I have met at LSMSA, both in the faculty and student body, helped inspire me to not do so.”

Winning essays will be featured in the Louisiana Folklife Journal, a publication of the Louisiana Folklife Center. Contest winners will also share their essays with participants at the virtual 13th Annual Louisiana Studies Conference on Saturday, Sept. 25. The online conference is free and open to the public.

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Ahead of Northwestern State’s Sept. 4 football season opener at North Texas, there will be a chance for Demon fans to do something they have not been able to since November 2019.

The Demons Unlimited Foundation has partnered with the Northwestern State Alumni Association to host a tailgate party ahead of the Demons’ 6:30 p.m. kickoff against North Texas in Denton, Texas.

The tailgate party begins at 3 p.m. and runs until 6 p.m. Included in the $20 tailgate ticket is all-you-can-eat barbecue from Metzler’s BBQ in Denton as well as soft drinks and water. Beer will be available for all patrons 21 years old and above. Tickets for the game are available for $35 and can be purchased separately or in a $55 bundle with a tailgate ticket.

Northwestern State’s seating sections are on the southeast side of Apogee Stadium in Sections 124 and 125. The deadline to purchase tickets is Aug. 26.

For additional information, contact Mike Jacklich at 318-357-4268.

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Pilgrim’s Natchitoches today announced it will hold a free Covid-19 vaccine clinic and give away free meat for a year to one lucky winner who gets vaccinated. In partnership with the Northwestern State University (NSU) Health Services Clinic, the clinic will be held on Aug. 14 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the NSU Campus (175 Sam Sibley Dr.).

As part of Pilgrim’s goal to vaccinate Americans in the rural communities where the company operates, it is awarding one winner who receives their first vaccine at the clinic with free beef, pork and chicken to feed a family of four for a year. Anyone who gets their first dose of the vaccine at the clinic will also receive a free case of chicken. Nearly 55% of Pilgrim’s Natchitoches team members have been vaccinated to date.

“As we gear up for the start of another school year, it is important to make sure you’re protecting your loved ones and neighbors by preventing the spread of Covid-19,” said Mark Haecker, Pilgrim’s Natchitoches complex manager. “Come show your commitment to the Natchitoches community by rolling up a sleeve and enter for the chance to win free meat for a year.”

Pilgrim’s has promoted vaccination among its workforce of more than 31,000 U.S. employees with great success. The company’s vaccination program includes onsite clinics, paid time off, a $100 incentive bonus and a multi-lingual education campaign. Pilgrim’s wants to help raise local community vaccination rates to help safeguard its hometowns across the country.

The Pilgrim’s “Your Shot at Free Meat for a Year” sweepstakes campaign builds on the company’s Hometown Strong initiative, a $20 million investment in local communities where Pilgrim’s operates.

https://jbsfoodsgroup.com/our-purpose/free-meat-for-a-year

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Carlos was a shy and reserved kid. He was so shy that when a teacher called on him in class, he would rather take a poor grade than take the chance of embarrassing himself in front of the class. When Carlos was about eight years old, he and his family moved to Miami, Arizona. Carlos was the only blond-haired, blue-eyed child in the school. Most of the students were Native Americans.

Bobby, a Native American, was the class bully. He was the same age as Carlos, but he was much larger. Carlos’s shyness made him the perfect target for bullying. Bobby chased Carlos home every day. Fortunately, Carlos was a faster runner than Bobby. One day, Bobby broke one of the desks in their classroom. The teacher blamed Carlos and threatened to paddle him unless he confessed. Carlos knew Bobby had broken the desk, but he would rather have taken the punishment than to draw more harassment from Bobby. As the teacher was leading Carlos out into the hall for his punishment, a brave student exposed the real culprit, Bobby. It was he who received the punishment. Although Carlos had escaped punishment from the teacher, he fully expected to receive some sort of punishment from Bobby.

Every day, Bobby chased Carlos from school, past the gas station next to Carlos’s home, and only broke off the chase once Carlos was safely inside. One day, as Bobby chased Carlos home, the owner of the gas station stopped Carlos. Bobby waited for his chance to resume the chase. Jack, the owner of the gas station, told Carlos that it was time for him to fight Bobby. Carlos replied that Bobby was too big for him to fight. Jack convinced Carlos that he had to stand up to Bobby or he would never stop bullying him. Bobby, anxious to resume the chase, was surprised when Carlos ran toward him. Carlos and Bobby wrestled and rolled around in the dirt. Carlos was losing until he grabbed one of Bobby’s fingers and bent it backward. Tears streamed from Bobby’s face. Carlos asked Bobby if he would give up, to which Bobby nodded. Carlos released Bobby’s finger. Bobby had no intention of letting Carlos win. He tackled Carlos and the fight resumed. Carlos grabbed the same finger and bent it backwards again. Bobby screamed and cried again. Carlos bent Bobby’s finger even farther than before and Bobby promised to give up. This time he meant it. Bobby never chased Carlos again and even became friends. Carlos learned an important lesson from his confrontation with Bobby that helped him throughout his life. He learned that fear can often be overcome by facing it.

In high school, Carlos was not academically inclined, but he enjoyed competing in sports. His goal was to become a police officer. He was intrigued by, as he envisioned it, the good guys versus the bad guys. He was captivated by the excitement and action that police work would offer. Carlos decided that his best shot at becoming a police officer was to join the Air Force and work as a military policeman.

In August of 1958, two months after graduating from high school, Carlos enlisted and became a military policeman, all according to his plan. Although the Korean War had ended, tensions between North and South Korea still ran high. Carlos was transferred to Osan, Korea. Soldiers at Osan Air Base had just three ways to spend their spare time; drinking alcohol, enrolling in academic classes, or studying martial arts. Carlos was not interested in alcohol or academic classes, so he focused on martial arts. He studied judo and a Korean style of karate called tang soo do. Carlos practiced for hours each day and eventually earned a black belt in tang soo do and a third-degree brown belt in judo. Carlos was certain that these skills would help him land a job with the police.

In the early 1960s, the Air Force transferred Carlos to Riverside, California. In his free time, Carlos competed in karate matches. Carlos won match after match. Pretty soon, he was teaching the karate club at the Air Force base. After four years in the Air Force, Carlos had the option to reenlist. Although he enjoyed his time in the military, Carlos was ready to go to work for the Los Angeles Police Department. LAPD, however, was not ready for Carlos. There were no job openings and there was a six-month waiting list for applicants.

Carlos decided to teach karate as a way to make some money until there was an opening at the police department. To attract more students, Carlos continued competing in karate matches. With each tournament win, the number of students grew. Pretty soon, Carlos owned several karate schools in and around Los Angeles. He kept winning tournaments and became the title six-time undefeated World Professional Middleweight Karate Champion.

Living in Los Angeles, his reputation as a karate champion garnered the attention of Hollywood movie stars who needed karate training for their film roles. He gave private karate lessons to actors and actresses such as Steve McQueen, Bob Barker, Priscilla Presley, and the Osmond family. It was Steve McQueen who encouraged Carlos to begin acting. In his first role, he played a bad guy with a single speaking line in the Dean Martin film The Wrecking Crew. He played Bruce Lee’s nemesis in Way of the Dragon. So far, Carlos has appeared in more than 40 films and television productions, but only his family and close friends call him by his real name, which is Carlos.

Back in 1958, when Carlos was at boot camp in Lackland, Texas, one of the guys in his barracks pointed out that it was odd that he was named Carlos although he was not Hispanic. He asked what Carlos meant in English. Carlos answered that it was equivalent to Charles. “Good,” the soldier said with a smile, “We’ll call you Chuck. Chuck Norris.”

Source: Norris, chuck. Against All Odds. Nashville, Tennessee: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2004

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Natchitoches Regional Medical Center (NRMC) is pleased to announce the expansion of NRMC OB/GYN Associates. Joining Dr. Bailey Runkles in the practice are Dr. Martin Aviles, formerly of Natchitoches Women’s Care, and Dr. Moshood Olatinwo, formerly of Summit ObGYN of Natchitoches. NRMC OB/GYN Associates is a highly specialized practice designed to further expand the scope of women’s health services in the region. “With three outstanding OB/GYN specialists working together in one practice along with a highly experienced clinical and support team, all women in our community have immediate access to excellent care close to home,” explained Kirk Soileau, Chief Executive Officer. “Dr. Runkles, Dr. Aviles, and Dr. Olatinwo are committed to their patients. They have brought thousands of babies into the world, ensuring great care for moms before, during, and after delivery. Yet they are also excellent diagnosticians of women’s health issues and expert surgeons.

We are also very pleased to have Natasha Jackson, RN, as the clinical practice manager of NRMC OB/GYN Associates. Natasha joined NRMC a little over a year ago from a large OB/GYN practice in Florida. She works behind the scenes to ensure positive patient experiences, customer service, and patient safety,” Soileau noted.

As part of this expansion, NRMC recently created a beautiful new clinic by renovating medical offices at 627 Bienville Circle near the hospital’s main campus. This expansion allows for the practice to continue to grow while ensuring patient comfort and convenience. Patients will appreciate the beautiful décor, amenities, and ease of parking. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 318.214.5773.

About Natchitoches Regional Medical Center
Natchitoches Regional Medical Center began as a community hospital in 1955 and has grown into a 216-bed healthcare system with 750 Associates and more than 100 active and consulting physicians on its medical staff. The system is comprised of the 96-bed acute care facility, a skilled nursing home, assisted living complex, and an extensive network of clinics throughout the parish. 501 K

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Contestants sought for Miss Merry Christmas

Contestants are being sought for the 2021 Natchitoches Queens
Scholarship Program to be held Saturday, September 11, 2021 at the A.A. Fredricks
Auditorium on the campus of Northwestern State University. The Natchitoches Queens
Scholarship Program includes the Miss Merry Christmas Pageant and the Miss
Natchitoches City of Lights/Outstanding Teen Pageant. All events will be held at the A.A.
Fredricks Auditorium on Saturday, September 11, 2021, at 4:00 p.m.

The Miss Merry Christmas Pageant is open to young ladies who will be enrolled in the
twelfth grade in a Natchitoches Parish school. Participants compete in scholastic
achievement, interview, evening wear, casual wear, and onstage question. The winner will
be crowned Miss Merry Christmas and will receive a cash scholarship and other prizes and
awards. Christmas Belles will also be selected from the pageant. Miss Merry Christmas will
serve as the official hostess of the Natchitoches Christmas Festival. She and the Christmas
Belles will represent Natchitoches at various events throughout the holiday season.

There is a $75 entry fee to enter the Miss Merry Christmas Pageant. There must be at least
10 girls entered in the Miss Merry Christmas pageant for the pageant to take place. All
applications and entry fees for the Miss Merry Christmas Pageant must be returned to the
Main Street Office at 781 Front Street, Natchitoches, no later than Friday, August 27, 2021
at 4:00 p.m.

The Miss Natchitoches City of Lights Pageant is open to young ladies who are age 18 by
July 31, 2022 through age 25 by December 31, 2022, enrolled in high school or college, or
meets the state residency requirement. Participants compete in interview, talent, red carpet
wear and onstage interview/social impact. The winner will be crowned Miss Natchitoches
City of Lights and will receive $1,000 In-Kind Scholarship to Northwestern State University,
official Miss America Local Crown, custom embroidered sash, and much more. The winner
must be available to attend Miss Louisiana State Meeting in April 2022 and the Miss
Louisiana State Competition in June 2022 held in Monroe, Louisiana.

The Miss Natchitoches City of Lights’ Outstanding Teen Pageant is open to young ladies
who are age 13 by April 1, 2022 through age 17 on July 31, 2022. Participants compete in
interview, fitness in sportswear, talent and evening wear/on-stage question. Entry fees are
discussed in the application. All applications and entry fees for the Miss Natchitoches City of
Lights/Outstanding Teen Pageant must be submitted to pageant director Gregory O’Quinn
via email at gregoquinn78@yahoo.com by September 9 th , 2021.

All applications can be picked up at the Natchitoches Main Street Office Monday through
Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. For more information, please contact the Main Street office at
(318) 357-3822.

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Heightened expectations surrounding the Northwestern State soccer team and its recent success have left a lasting impact on Southland Conference pundits.

The Lady Demons were tied for second place in the Jostens® SLC preseason poll with 55 points, including two first-place votes. Incarnate Word tied NSU for the second spot.

Defending SLC Tournament champion Southeastern Louisiana stands atop the poll with 70 points and 10 first-place votes.

NSU capped a remarkable 2020 season tied for second in conference standings for the second straight season, opening league play on a four-match win streak.

The Lady Demons return all but one starter, including the entirety of its back line from 2020, which toppled a number of program records in a COVID-19 shortened season.

Six Lady Demons were selected to the SLC preseason all-conference team announced Monday. The defense was represented by goalkeeper Acelya Aydogmus and defenders Hallie Field, Nicole Henry and Natalee Henry. The offense boasted midfielder Kalee Williams and forward Olivia Draguicevich.

NSU opens the coach Stuart Gore era with an exhibition match at Little Rock on Saturday at 3 p.m. Conference play opens on Sept. 6 against Southeastern Louisiana. 

Photo:  Chris Reich, NSU Photographic Services

2021 Southland Preseason Poll

School (First-place votes)	Total
1. Southeastern (10)	70
t-2. UIW (2)	55
t-2. Northwestern State (2)	55
4. McNeese	42
5. Texas A&M- Corpus Christi	38
6. HBU	22
7. Nicholls	12

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POSITION: Patient Care Technician Instructor 9-month position @ CLTCC, Sabine Valley Campus

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Licensed Practical Nurse with 3 years nursing experience

TRANSCRIPTS: (Unofficial Transcripts are acceptable at the time of application);
REFERENCES: Three reference Letters (include full name, home address, cell phone number, and email address) Applicants will be notified before references are contacted

CONTACT: For more information visit: https://www.cltcc.edu/about-cltcc/employment or email HR@cltcc.edu

Central Louisiana Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. CLTCC campuses assure equal opportunity for all qualified persons without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or sexual orientation in admission to participation in, or employment in the program and activities of this system. Each campus welcomes handicapped individuals and has made buildings accessible to them. For Title IX/ADA/Section 504 inquiries, contact Human Resources Director (318) 487-5443 ext. 1154, 4311 516 Murray St., Alexandria, LA 71301.

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The NSU Music Academy is accepting students for the fall semester. The academy is under the direction of Northwestern State Assistant Professor of Piano Dr. John Price and Associate Professor of Piano Dr. Francis Yang and offers piano, voice, guitar and percussion lessons for students. Piano lessons are for those from age six as well as adults and voice lessons are for those eight and up.

Northwestern State students in the Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts provide lessons. Teachers are piano majors David Paz and Hannah Potter, guitar major Naydu Daza Maya, percussion major Jackson Forrester, and voice majors Valentina Herazo Alvarez, Ella Castro and Beth Olin.

Last spring students participated in a concert at NSU’s Magale Recital Hall, a virtual recital, the National Federation of Music Clubs Festival and the Central Music Teachers’ Association Sonatina Festival.

For more information on the NSU Music Academy, please contact Price at pricejo@nsula.edu or Yang at yangf@nsula.edu.

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A mix of old and new constitute the 2021-22 Northwestern State women’s basketball schedule, presented by McDonald’s.

The Lady Demons and head coach Anna Nimz are set to embark on their first full slate of games after a shortened schedule a season ago. The 29-game schedule is nearly split evenly between nonconference matchups (15) and the seven Southland Conference home-and-home series.

The non-conference schedule pits NSU against familiar Pelican State foes like Grambling (Nov. 17), Louisiana College (Nov. 19) and ULM (Dec. 15), but also features five first-time meetings during the first two months of the season.

The first four games of the year have plenty of local flavor all taking place in Louisiana with three of the four in Natchitoches. The Lady Demons open the year with consecutive home games against Centenary (Nov. 9) and Texas A&M-Texarkana (Nov. 13). The lone road trip during that stretch takes NSU to Grambling on Nov. 17.

“I’m excited about the beginning of our season,” said Nimz, who enters her second year with NSU. “I think we have a lot of very competitive games and we’re bringing in some teams that are going to push us but also allow us to get used to each other. The first couple of games are going to be paramount to our success leading into that first big road trip.

“We are going to need a game or two to really understand how each other plays and plays off of one another. There’s a difference between when the ball goes up and what they do in practice. Those first three or four games are going to give us an opportunity to get a little more comfortable and learn game speed.”

The Lady Demons then make their first of two treks to the state of Kansas on the year beginning with a three-game swing that starts with Kansas State (Nov. 27) and Wichita State (Nov. 29), and ends at Arkansas State (Dec. 2). All three games serve as the first meetings between the schools in program history.

Another first-time meeting takes place at the end of December as the Lady Demons make a return trip to take on the Jayhawks of Kansas (Dec. 28) in historic Allen Fieldhouse.

“As a Kansas girl, there is something very special about playing KU at Allen Fieldhouse,” Nimz said. “The original rules of basketball are held on their campus so going there a day early not just to practice but to experience that as well will be special. I think it’s important for the girls to know the history of what we’re playing and not just play the game.”

While the dual trips to the Sunflower State serve as good competition for the team, it also gives Nimz and her staff a chance to show first-hand the importance of family.

“We talk a lot about family in our program and I think it’ll be neat for the girls to see that in action,” Nimz said. “We’re going to be able to see some of our families and the girls will get to see that we practice what we preach in that regard. I’ve spent my entire adult life away from home so it fills my heart to know that when I look into the stands at KU, K-State and Wichita State that I will likely have 20 or more people there.”

The Lady Demons will celebrate the new year in Natchitoches and immediately hit the road for Katy and the first SLC Preseason Tournament set for Jan. 3-5 at the Merrell Center. Each conference team is set to play three games in three days serving to jump-start league play 10 days later.

“The preseason tournament allows for the conference to do something that, most if not all conferences, are no longer doing,” Nimz said. “It’s created a lot of excitement in the past in some of those other conferences both for the players and the fans. It allows us to get that tournament feel and a chance to see what we’re working for all season.”

After a quick non-conference finale with Champion Christian (Jan. 12), the Lady Demons play their first three SLC games on the road at Southeastern (Jan. 15), Nicholls (Jan. 20) and New Orleans (Jan. 22).

Back-to-back home games follow bringing UIW (Jan. 27) and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (Jan. 29) to town to cap the first month of the new year. Trips to HBU and McNeese the first weekend of February close the first run through the conference slate. The Huskies and Cowgirls make their way to Natchitoches the second weekend to begin the back end of the league schedule.

“The ability to play each of our conference opponents twice is only going to help prepare us for the end goal that is Katy,” Nimz said. “I also think changing the games to a Thursday-Saturday schedule is going to improve fan experience. Doubleheaders with our men’s team allows the fans to come and support, and I think we’ll see a growth in attendance.”

The Lady Demons close the season with three straight home conference games against Nicholls (Feb. 24), UNO (Feb. 26) and SLU (March 5).

“From top to bottom I think we have incredibly competitive games set up for this team, which will be largely brand new,” Nimz said. “We have some games that are going to allow us to grow as a program and some games against elite level basketball teams that will push us to be our very best. Those games where we’re more evenly matched are going to force us to elevate our game to win.”

Graphic: Brad Welborn

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NATCHITOCHES:
L. C. (Louis Charles) Below
August 06, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Ulas Lee Harvey, III
September 8, 1981 – August 7, 2021
Arrangements TBA

JoAnn Dubriel Rachal
July 24, 1939 – August 05, 2021
Service: Friday, August 13 at 11 am at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Isle Brevelle

WINN:
Emma Claire Gill
September 02, 2004 – August 08, 2021
Service: Wednesday, August 11 at 10 am at Southern Funeral Home

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The Natchitoches City Council confirmed the appointment of Donald Forest Sr. at its Monday night meeting, Aug. 9, as the Public Works Director for the City.

Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr. said a lot of good candidates applied for the job. Through the process, Williams said it was clear to him that Forest would be the best person for the position.

Forest grew up around Cane River as a young boy before moving to Natchez. He graduated from Cloutierville High School. He was all-state in basketball in the 80s. He’s worked for the DOTD for 33 years and is certified in structural concrete, asphalt concrete paving and in excavation and embankment. He has a lot of experience with roads, bridges and drainage and wants to bring that experience to benefit the City.

Council member Dale Nielsen said it’s always good to try to promote from within. He voted against the appointment.

Forest will start as early as next Monday.

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Today’s Drive-Thru Vaccine Clinic, Aug. 10, has been cancelled. The LSU Health and Science Center will reschedule the clinic for a later date at NCHS. A rescheduled date will be announced.

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By Edwin Crayton/Opinion

In the last article, I wrote that a local children’s group that helps children with learning disabilities had applied to the Natchitoches Community Improvement Foundation (NCIF) for a grant for $50,000, but the foundation gave them only $10,000 (See this column for Natchitoches Parish Journal dated July 1, 2021). That organization is called Children Overcoming Learning Disabilities (COLD). At the July 13th quarterly meeting, COLD appealed the grant, explaining their plans and why they needed more funds to make an impact in the Natchitoches Community. After their presentation, NCIF Treasurer Oswald Taylor suggested giving them the full $50,000. But due to technical issues, the board decided instead to revise the grant from $10,000 to $23,000. However, getting there took quite a debate. Leo Walker, who acts as chair (despite being 1 year over his term limit), suggested other options such as having COLD link up with the Boys and Girls Club. But Board Members Taylor and Rene Porter disagreed with Walker and reminded the board that it is important to help local groups. Mr. Porter mentioned the importance of helping “our” children. He did not specify who the “our” is, but both board members pushed the idea of doing more to help organizations that improve Natchitoches. Board Member Brenda Milner also supported giving more funds. Walker seemed the least interested in increasing funds, but the momentum to give more money simply won the day. It was kind of a breakthrough moment as it was the first time I have seen so many board members push back against the very-much in control Mr. Walker.

The whole incident was both interesting and instructive. Seems to me, that it showed that consistent public involvement will make a big difference in curing the various ills afflicting NCIF. In the last article, I mentioned that the grant offered to COLD was much too small and that in general NCIF is giving away not nearly enough money to the Natchitoches Community considering the fact that this money was designated for people living in the town of Natchitoches in the first place. And also, the fact that the foundation has over 2 million dollars to give away and in a community with many needs. All that money has been designated to go to citizens living in Natchitoches. So, it was good to see a grant recipient push back on the stingy, low funding and then manage to successfully get more money. The incident revealed that the board can make better decisions when there is real debate. It also showed, quite honestly, that NCIF can operate without allowing the chairman to violate the bylaws in order to remain on the board. In other words, they can operate well without the strong-willed Mr. Walker. Stepping down as he is supposed to according to NCIF bylaws, would actually be in the best interest of the group and the citizens of Natchitoches as well. The board is changing as older members leave and new people come on board with fresh thinking, not bound to the past. The newer members tend to be more independent, open minded and usually more in favor of giving larger, healthier grants (but not always). One thing is crystal clear: It’s past time for Walker to let go and step down from the chairman’s seat which he is clinging to in violation of NCIF bylaws. But beyond violating term limits, Walker often makes odd decisions. For instance, in the meeting, he said that the new members just voted on to the board will be trained and then asked if they want to be on the board. Usually, at most organizations, it’s the other way around— you vote people on to the board first and then train them. Ex-board member Sylvia Morrow was present and also thought that was a strange process. “When I was on the board we did not do it that way.” Morrow mentioned she had not heard of the process Walker mentioned. She also did not like the fact that in the meeting, Secretary Mildred Joseph got up and left the meeting before it was finished– while members of the public were speaking during the public comment section. In the meeting and afterwards, Morrow asked how Joseph could take minutes when she left before the meeting was done? She said this to the board, but got no response.

The turnout was better than usual. Public input and your prayers are paying off. But much needs to still be changed. The two main issues are: 1) The foundation needs to remove the senseless cap it has placed on annual grants and scholarships and give much larger grants based on merit of the applicant. That increased funding will help Natchitoches improve much faster. For instance, instead of giving the Boys and Girls Club just $10,000 a year for 3 years ($30,000 total), why not give them $30,000 a year for three years? Aren’t our kids worth at least that? 2) As I have said a few times in this article and don’t mind saying again: Board members need to respect the bylaws and term limits and do things decently and in order. The public deserves transparency. How is it not hypocritical that they can deny grants based on technicalities then turn around and allow Walker to violate court approved bylaws by remaining chairman one year past his term limit—serving seven years in a six-year term? Following the rules selectively sets a bad precedent. If you are going to run a fair, professional foundation, should anyone be allowed to be above the rules? Walker or anyone else? The successful appeal by COLD shows that getting more money into the hands of citizens in Natchitoches requires public involvement. It simply works. Maybe that is why the first words in the U.S. Constitution are “We the People”. Attend the next quarterly meeting in October. The October quarterly meeting should be Tuesday, October 12, 2021. 7pm, at First Baptist, 1116 Amulet, Natchitoches (verify in local paper).

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“Let everything be done decently and in order.” –1 Corinthians 14:40

The Natchitoches Community Improvement Board Members are: Oswald Taylor, Mildred Joseph, Gwen Antee-Hardison-Davis, Shaniqua Hoover (by phone), Gwendolyn Williams, Rene Porter, Edwin Deon Powe, De Marquis Hamilton, New members: Helen Obioha, Elton Wade, (The following are sitting on the board in violation of term limits of NCIF bylaws: Leo Walker Sr., Diane Blake Jones).

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The Rapides Foundation has awarded a $1.4 million grant to Career Compass of Louisiana that addresses the high number of young adults between the ages of 16 and 24 who are neither working nor pursuing an education.

Often referred to as “disconnected youth,” a recent study by the Foundation found that nearly 7,500 young adults in Central Louisiana meet those criteria.

The grant will fund the Beyond Graduation project and will be part of the Foundation’s Workforce Skills and Talent Development component of its Economic Development Initiative.

“These formative years are a critical time for young people to develop skills, earn credentials and have experiences that will impact their future,” said Joe Rosier, President and CEO of The Rapides Foundation. “Recent research has shown that young adults who experience disconnection have significantly lower incomes, are less likely to be employed, and have poorer health outcomes than their peers.”

The multi-year grant will be piloted in LaSalle, Natchitoches and Rapides parishes and initially focus on high school seniors who are at risk of disconnection after they graduate. College and career coaches from Career Compass of Louisiana, a nonprofit education organization, will work closely with students to help ensure they follow through with their postsecondary plans. The public school districts, Central Louisiana Technical Community College, Northwestern State University and LSU of Alexandria are partners on the Beyond Graduation project.

In 2019, the Foundation partnered with Measure of America to determine the level of disconnection in Central Louisiana. Its study found that 21.4% of Central Louisiana individuals between the ages of 16 and 24 were not in school and not employed. The national rate is 11.5%.

“One problem we found is that a high number of Central Louisiana high school seniors apply to a university or community college, but a large percentage of that number don’t actually enroll in college for the fall semester after they graduate from high school. We are trying to close that gap of students who applied to, but never enrolled, in postsecondary education,” Rosier said.

The Foundation then partnered with Jobs For the Future (JFF), a national leader in disconnected youth, to provide insight into potential strategies and interventions for young adults in the Central Louisiana region. This work included interviews with local employers, superintendents, postsecondary institutions, youth service providers and disconnected youth.

JFF recommended two types of strategies to prevent disconnection: retention and reconnection. Retention strategies and interventions are designed to ensure students stay within the education pipeline. Reconnection strategies attempt to reconnect young adults who have dropped out of the education system to meaningful education and employment opportunities.

The Beyond Graduation project will focus on retention to help high school seniors successfully transition to a two- or four-year university or community college. The grant will fund a two-year pilot program in three parishes with future plans to expand to all nine school districts in the Foundation’s service area depending on the success of the pilot.

Career Compass of Louisiana has a longstanding working relationship with The Rapides Foundation and its education arm, The Orchard Foundation. As part of a 2012 grant under the Foundation’s Career and Postsecondary Readiness Initiative, Career Compass has been providing postsecondary counseling services to middle school and high school students throughout Central Louisiana.

The new Beyond Graduation project will extend those services even further by providing coaching services to support students at key benchmarks during their high school and college years. This will include one-on-one college and career coaching during high school, early outreach and support by college-level coaches, and assistance with transitioning to college, summer workshops and orientations before college starts. Coaches will continue supporting the student throughout their college career.

For the pilot program, the first cohort of high school seniors identified for the program will begin working with their coaches in Fall 2021.

“Since 2006, Career Compass of Louisiana has helped nearly 129,000 high school seniors from Louisiana communities as they take the next step to pursue education and training after high school,” said Dr. Chris Maggio, Beyond Graduation Project Manager. “With the new Beyond Graduation project, we and our partners are taking our collective support to the next level for the students who need it most. Through this grant from The Rapides Foundation, Central Louisiana high school students who experience barriers to postsecondary education will now have additional layers of support in high school and college. We are deeply grateful for The Rapides Foundation’s continued support of our goal to help all students gain access to education and training beyond graduation.”

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Northwestern State University will kick off the Fall semester with Demon Days, a series of events that being with Move-In Day, Saturday, Aug. 14. Demon Days is a series of fun and free events designed to welcome new and returning students with opportunities to explore Northwestern State, connect with other students and get involved with service, social and academic initiatives.

Health and safety will remain a top priority. Last week Northwestern announced that the school will comply with state mandates requiring individuals on all campuses to wear facial coverings while inside buildings, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated or not.

“As students return for the fall, we are optimistic about the return of face-to-face classes, Demon Days and other activities that are an exciting part of kicking off a new academic year,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Greg Handel. “Classes will roll out reflective of Fall 2019 before the pandemic. The situation is fluid and could shift, but we hope it doesn’t. We will all be wearing face masks but that won’t diminish the excitement of starting a new year.”

In conjunction with Move-In Days Aug. 12-14, NSU will host First Night Fest on the Green from 7-9 p.m. Saturday with entertainment by The Phunky Monkeys, free food and drinks, games and more.

New Student Convocation will be at 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15 in Turpin Stadium. Convocation is an important milestone for first year students and marks the beginning of each student’s academic journey which ends at commencement. The event will include a class photo for the Class of 2025 and the President’s Picnic. Afterwards, students can head to Varnado Hall and University Columns for a BCM Meet and Greet.

With classes beginning Monday, Aug. 16, student volunteers will be available at a help tent to offer assistance to those with questions about campus. New students can also visit Information Station in the NSU Ballroom from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. and meet SGA senators and representatives from Greek Life on the Kyser Brickway from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Color Chaos, one of the most fun and memorable events for students, will take place at 6 p.m. at Org Row, followed by a BCM Meet and Greet at University Place 1. ­­

The rest of Week 1 will be filled with opportunities to get involved in many different aspects of college life with Student Day of Golf at the Rec Complex, Sophomore Breakfast Club for second year students, more BCM Meet and Greet and worship events, Greek informationals, IFC Fish Fry, Glow in the Dark Zumba, Miss Lady of the Bracelet informational, welcome reception for international students, late night gaming in the Esports Lounge, the annual 1 of 7 service kick-off event and a weekend fiesta at Collins Pavilion.

NSU will offer free COVID-19 vaccinations at several locations on campus Aug. 12-Sept. 1. Students can sign up for a vaccine appointment at nsu.la/GetVaxxed and be entered for a grand prize drawing if first shot is received by Aug. 20.

Throughout the coming weeks, students will be encouraged to get involved with service and volunteer projects, Greek life and registered student organizations. Demon Days events will stretch through the rest of the semester with pep rallies, wellness workshops, athletic events, intramurals, Homecoming and more.

“We are emphasizing safe practices with all of our student activities, but we also know that students who get involved on campus get more out of their college experience,” said Reatha Cox, vice president for the Student Experience. “The past year and a half prohibited a lot of interaction and we are hoping to make up for lost time. There is a full slate of activities for students whether they are new freshmen or rising seniors. We encourage students to participate, make new friends and find their place within the NSU family.”

Information on NSU activities and events that are open to the public can be accessed at http://www.nsula.edu.

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POSITION: Natchitoches Regional Airport Laborer – Part Time

DESCRIPTION: Assist the Airport Manager in the day to day operations including maintaining the Airport terminal and grounds, handle fuel drops and fuel sampling, troubleshoot mechanical problems on vehicles, lawn equipment, fuel pumps and other related equipment, fueling aircraft, moving aircraft in and out of hangars as needed, accurately keep fuel sales records and be able to handle other airport related activity. Must be able to work at least one weekend per month and early morning or late evening hours as needed. One year of related experience is preferred.

EDUCATION: High School diploma or equivalent. Must be a licensed driver.

CONTACT: City of Natchitoches, Human Resources Department located at 1400 Sabine St. or P.O. Box 37, Natchitoches La 71458-0037. Applications may also be picked up upstairs at City Hall, located at 700 Second St., or you can download an application on line at http://www.natchitochesla.gov

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

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 All basketball teams like balance, whether that’s on the court, in the classroom — or in this case — on the schedule.

Northwestern State men’s basketball coach Mike McConathy used ‘balance’ to describe the Demons’ 2021-22 slate that features a 14-game Southland Conference schedule and five non-conference home games, six non-conference road games and a preconference tournament against league opponents.

The basketball schedules are presented by McDonald’s.

“There is a good balance,” said McConathy, who will begin his 22nd season on the NSU sidelines. “When you’re building a schedule, we’re playing opponents we’ve played before, and that gives us a familiarity with those opponents and their systems.

“At the end of the day, it comes down to the players. We’ll employ our system and they’ll employ their system, and we’ll go out and be competitive.”

NSU kicks off the season with an Oklahoma two-step that includes a Nov. 9 date with the Sooners before catching Tulsa on Nov. 10.

The Demons open the Prather Coliseum schedule with Champion Christian on Nov. 13 before heading to SMU on Nov. 15.

A trio of historic rivals visit Natchitoches in late November with Louisiana Tech on Nov. 19, Louisiana College on Nov. 23 and Stephen F. Austin on Nov. 28.

SFA is a recent conference opponent that stays on NSU’s schedule after the Lumberjacks were one of four Southland Conference teams to leave for the Western Athletic Conference alongside Sam Houston, Lamar and Abilene Christian.

NSU will be on the road for four of the next five games, starting at Houston (Nov. 30), at UL Monroe (Dec. 4), home against Dallas Christian (Dec. 11), at LSU (Dec. 14) and at Texas A&M (Dec. 21).

Not counting new opponent Dallas Christian (National Christian College Athletic Association), the Demons have faced every non-conference opponent at least once in the past four seasons.

NSU played five of those opponents this past season and all but Oklahoma and Houston within the past two seasons.

Moving into the new year, NSU will make an unusual trip to the Merrell Center in Katy, Texas, to play three games in a preconference tournament from Jan. 6-9.

With the eight-member league playing 14 SLC games, the tournament will be non-conference games against league opponents with a winner’s and loser’s bracket format to ensure three games for all eight teams.

“It’s an opportunity to do something different and for new players to see the arena in which we’ll play the league tournament a few months later,” McConathy said.

The conference season will feature a home-and-home schedule with the other seven league members with every conference game being a doubleheader with women’s basketball, erasing the “mirror” schedule in which one team plays on the road and the other at home.

“With teams playing everybody twice, you get more of a true champion, and there’s more stock put into a regular season title,” McConathy said. “Value needs to be placed on that, and with this schedule, I think there is more weight to a regular season championship.

“The conference schedule will be a little different with there just being eight teams, and it’ll be a little bit of a strange feeling considering there’s been at least nine since I’ve been at NSU, and we’ve had 13 teams the last couple of years. But there were just six teams in the league when I played at Louisiana Tech, so it’s not anything that hasn’t happened before.”

The SLC slate, which typically starts in early January and occasionally in December, begins Jan. 15 with a trip to Southeastern.

NSU continues its conference contests on the road at Nicholls (Jan. 20) and New Orleans (Jan. 22).

The Demons return home to handle Incarnate Word (Jan. 27) and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (Jan. 29).

NSU will see a more home-friendly February with five of nine contests in Natchitoches.

The Demons start that stretch at Houston Baptist (Feb. 3) and McNeese (Feb. 5) before finishing with a home-heavy push to the postseason.

NSU turns around and hosts Houston Baptist (Feb. 10) and McNeese (Feb. 12).

The Demons finish their road schedule at UIW (Feb. 17) and TAMU-CC (Feb. 19).

The last three home games are in the friendly confines of Prather against Nicholls (Feb. 24), New Orleans (Feb. 26) and Southeastern (March 5).

The Southland Conference Tournament, for which all eight teams will qualify, starts March 9 in Katy, Texas.

Photo\Graphic:  Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services

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FOR RESIDENTS IN THE 500 BLOCK OF ELIZABETH STREET

Residents in the 500 block of Elizabeth Street will experience a temporary power outage and street closure to thru traffic, between the hours of 8am until noon on Thursday, Aug. 12.

Contractor requested power to be cut in order to safely remove the tree, as well as no thru traffic at that time.

The City of Natchitoches appreciates the public’s patience during this time.

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Alliance Compressors, through the non-profit Emerson Charitable Trust, donated $100,000 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Acadiana. On hand for the presentation were former mayor Lee Posey; Missy Andrade, Boys and Girls Clubs President & CEO; Rhyan Wheeler, Boys and Girls Clubs VP of Development; and Laura Lyles, Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce President; as well as Alliance staff and employees.

Missy stated, “We are thrilled and excited to bring a club back to Natchitoches, and we appreciate the support of companies like Alliance and others to ensure a sustainable operation for years to come.”

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NATCHITOCHES:
L. C. (Louis Charles) Below
August 06, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Ulas Lee Harvey, III
September 8, 1981 – August 7, 2021
Arrangements TBA

JoAnn Dubriel Rachal
July 24, 1939 – August 05, 2021
Service: Friday, August 13 at 11 am at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Isle Brevelle

WINN:
Emma Claire Gill
September 02, 2004 – August 08, 2021
Service: Wednesday, August 11 at 10 am at Southern Funeral Home

Cathy Virginia Terrell
October 01, 1951 – August 04, 2021
Service: Saturday August 7 at 10 am at the Urania Cemetery

Sister Gayle Eileen Coon
August 17, 1944 – August 4, 2021
Service: Tuesday, August 10 at 2 pm at Cornerstone Apostolic Church of the Aimoch Community

RED RIVER:
Albert Monroe Baker
October 20, 1932 – August 05, 2021
Service: Tuesday, August 10 at 11 am at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel

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